Aydin
The ancient name of the province of Aydin was
Tralleis. It was celebrated as the center of sculpture, with a well known
sculpture school. The museum in Aydin exhibits the relics of many civilizations
which have passed through this important center. The remains in the city date to
the 2nd-century A.D. while you may see many examples of other periods, in the
towns and environs of the province.
Menderes
Valley
The
Menderes Valley, formed by the Menderes
(Meander) river has been the cradle of many civilizations. This region offers a
variety of beauties all at once. Lake Camici (Bafa) is a secret camping spot,
hidden amidst the pines, olives and oleanders facing the five peaks of the
Besparmak Mountains on the eastern slopes on which are the ruins of Alinda. The
ruins of the ancient city of Heraklia are closer to the lake giving campers by
the lake the chance to the sightseeing.
This fertile valley has sheltered many important
cities of past civilizations the remains of which still preserve their grandeur
and dignity.
Kusadasi
A lovely town, a popular port, and at the same
time, an attractive holiday resort, is this "Bird Island" taking its name from
the little "Dove Island" in the harbor. Facing this islet covered with flowers,
Kusadasi stands on the beautiful shores of Aegean Sea, overlooking a bay of real
fascination.
The pretty beaches along the deep blue sea will
be the first to tempt newcomers with their scenic view under the glittering sun.
When wandering through the town, one will be pleased a second time, by the
modernity and high quality of the numerous accommodation establishments and
related with their many facilities.
The large marina here is a favorite place of
yachtsmen, with its complete services, and it is a colorful site to visit, being
also a good shopping area. The famous ancient cities near Kusadasi, like
Ephesus, Miletos and Priene, Didyma make the district interesting for
sightseers, together with the historical remains like the old fortress and
caravansary inside the town. The Dilek National Park, which is a wildlife
preserve and a heaven for many species is worth seeing.
All of these charming spots complete the
picturesque appearance of this town; Kusadasi today constitutes a perfect resort
for every type of vacation at any time.
Milet
(Miletos)
A glorious city from the earliest times, is
Miletos, an lonian site standing over the Aegean coast.
Founded in the 10th century BC, this
city had been an important commercial center influencing trade on the
Mediterranean, with its two separate ports. Besides its economic prosperity,
this ancient place was a point of flourishing culture as being the homeland of
numerous philosophers and sages. Thales, Anaksymandros, Anaksymens and Hekotios
are some of these philosophers.
Reflecting this history of splendor are several
ruins dispersed over the region, the antique theater being the most important
one. It is a beautiful sight, with its 15,000 seats inside, and also is an
appropriate spot to view the entire land, by climbing to its upper terraces.
Another structure is the Faustina baths built by
the Roman Emperor Aurelius for his wife, with a small museum nearby housing
archeological finds from Miletos.
Gullubahce
(Priene)
Priene used to be the most important port of the
lonian Federation, connecting the city to the rest of the world. The site is
particularly remarkable since the system of geometric planning was introduced
here by Hippodamos of Miletos in the 4th-century BC. The perfect planning of the
city can be recognized even today. The acropolis of the city is from the
Hellenistic Period. You will also the see well-preserved agora, bulenterion,
stadium and gymnasium, and the temples of Demeter, Athena, and Cybele in Priene.
Didim
(Didyma)
Didyma was one of the luckiest settlements of
antiquity since it sheltered one of the most sacred spots of those times. It is
the temple of Apollo, still standing in Didyma with its impressive view, though
it has been attacked and burned several times. Here can be seen a portico of
double colonnades surrounding the colossal temple and also the famous Medusa
bust among the statues decorating it. The elaborate beauty of the temple and the
artistic architecture captures you at once.
The temple was the oracles center (during the
reign of Ionian Federation), and those who wanted to learn about the future
visited Didyma then. The name of the city comes from this characteristic, as
Didymeion means in antiquity, the place where oracles are told.
The only monument Didim possesses today, is the
temple of Apollo, but it is reason enough to take an excursion to Didim where
you may also enjoy the beaches while staying at friendly guest houses.
Geyre
(Aphrodisias)
It is 12 kms northeast of the town of Karacasu.
The history of this ancient city goes back to 4000 BC but the major part of
Aphrodisias was built in the 1st-century BC. It was constructed to pay homage to
Aphrodite, the goddess of love and fertility, whom it takes its name from.
Inside the high city walls, stand beautiful
buildings covered by white and blue-gray marbles. The artistic style of the
carvings on the monuments were so magnificent that the city soon became the
master of arts, and its fame reached all sides of the ancient world. It
constituted the greatest center of sculpturing, with its "School of Sculpture"
the marvelous works of which are now displayed at the nearby museum.
An impressive sight in this city is the
Aphrodisian theatre dating to the Hellenistic period. The lovely Aphrodisias
odeion is another, being one of the excellent constructions in the area.
The Temple of Aphrodite is the most prominent
remains with its high columns stand erected. One of the best-preserved stadiums
in the world is also here, later used as an arena for gladiators.
Time Line of Aydin
A small Ghazi state in western Anatolia, on the
Aegean coast near Smyrna (mod. Izmir).
To the Byzantine Empire............................395-1071
To the
Seljuqs....................................1071-c.
1100
To the Byzantine Empire........................c. 1100-1204
To
Nicaea.........................................1204-1261
To the Byzantine Empire...........................1261-1308
Aydinid
Mohammad Beg Mubariz ad-Din Ghazi.................1308-1334
Umar I Beg Baha-ad-Din Ghazi......................1334-1348
Khidr.............................................1348-1360
Isa...............................................1360-1390
To the
Ottomans...................................1390-1402
Clients of the Timurid
Empire.....................1402-1405
Musa.........................................1402-1403
with...
Umar
II......................................1402-1405
Junayd............................................1405-1426
To the Ottomans thereafter...
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TransAnatolie Tour
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Multilingual Cultural Tour Provider and Operator
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License N°4938 - The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism
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